Not sure where this should go but as a follow-up on the X2 thread, I thought I would revisit the specs, etc. on the new Leica X2.

My first confusion with the X2 announcement was:

-Same old 2.8 lens when most everyone was expecting a faster lens, anywhere from a Lux to a Cron.

Revisit: I see that the ISO has been upped to 12,500.

My second confusion was:

-Much higher price.

Revisit: B&H has the X2 listed at the same $1995 price as the X1 has been since it's introduction.

My third confusion:

The Viewfinder is still external:

Revisit: The EVF is listed at a high price, well over $500 at B&H. But, it appears nothing keeps one from using pretty much any external VF. I have an old 35mm VF that works perfectly well on the X1 (tried this out in February) and, I may be wrong, but it looks as if it will work on the X2. This does allow for a smaller package overall than if a larger in-camera VF was designed into the body....so, not such a bad deal after all.

FINAL SUMMARY after Revisit:

I think the higher ISO, revised flash, higher resolution, optional EVF, and silver color in place of the grey, doubling of internal memory and burst rate, all being included in the same $1995 price is pretty good. That is my opinion only as it represents a decent evolution of the X1.

Sure, I had visions of a mini-M, but realize now, that there most likely will be a mini-M at a higher price coming down the road.... or not...but that is okay as the X1 makes awesome images. Cannot wait to see the real-world results from the X2.

Sure, I can buy a Toyota Camry for half a Mercedes Benz E-350. But, then , we already know that and I love Toyota products. I just don't drive Toyotas anymore, though.

We all have our buying preferences and there is nothing wrong with that.

I would appreciate keeping the discussion on the X2 in this thread and not about comparison with all the other cameras in the world as there are many threads already on RFF doing that and it won't add to the body of knowledge about the X2 at all. thanks,

I just finished listening to the podcast with Jono Slack on seriouscompacts.com about the new Leica releases this week. He confirms the X2 is a true upgrade with auto-focus on par with the latest m4/3 Olympus releases like the OM-D E-M5, which is pretty fast indeed. I share your view on what we hoped for, but this still seems like a pretty good evolution of the system.

2. Replace the flash with a plain top cover that has real Leica engraving just like on the IIIF sitting here on my desk.

In fact, I am trying to really get my mind around the X-series. To me, it is the modern equivalent of the III cameras and anything that brings them closer to a modern interpretation of the original Barnack in design, feel, and operation is fine with me.

And, maybe, just maybe ditch the lens in favor of something really cool like a Perar flat lens so that the camera remains small and fits in a pocket.

I just finished listening to the podcast with Jono Slack on seriouscompacts.com about the new Leica releases this week. He confirms the X2 is a true upgrade with auto-focus on par with the latest m4/3 Olympus releases like the OM-D E-M5, which is pretty fast indeed. I share your view on what we hoped for, but this still seems like a pretty good evolution of the system.

I just finished listening to the podcast with Jono Slack on seriouscompacts.com about the new Leica releases this week. He confirms the X2 is a true upgrade with auto-focus on par with the latest m4/3 Olympus releases like the OM-D E-M5, which is pretty fast indeed. I share your view on what we hoped for, but this still seems like a pretty good evolution of the system.

Hey, thanks for the link...will listen to it tonight and also, I hope to spend some time on the SC site.

After looking at your flickr images, I am very pleased with what you have there. Really enjoyed it and gives me a lot to think about in how to actually use a 35mm viewpoint.

I have to admit that I really enjoyed the X1 when I used one for a year. The X2 having fast AF makes me think about it, but I'm not into external VFs these days. Optical ext VFs are not consistent with AF cameras. And that external EVF is not my type of thing. It is a super light take anywhere camera though. I use the X100 for this function these days... But the X2 is better than I initially thought too.

I admit to be a little "confused" now! Having the x1 since longer than one year (and being satisfied) I know the benefits of the small camera, but I also know the limitations. Some of which still are in the x2. I do not know the price where I live yet but anyway I will not upgrade from 1 to 2. Honestly from one side I'm disappointed, from the other side it is ok that I will not spend more money!
robert

__________________Remember: today is the Day !from Ruth Bernhard recipe for a long and happy life

i think it is very difficult to analyse the pros and cons of a new release on a basis that does not compare it to its competitors in the market. its of course only my opinion, but this camera judged on its specs alone seems in many ways to not take advantage of technologies its competitors do, and that seems pretty inexcusable at this price point. judging it in a vacuum, or against the previous incarnation that is also outdated technologically, may lead to a different conclusion that provides more comfort for its purchasers.
tony

i think it is very difficult to analyse the pros and cons of a new release on a basis that does not compare it to its competitors the rest of the market. its of course only my opinion, but this camera judged on its specs alone seems in many ways to not take advantage of technologies its competitors do, and that seems pretty inexcusable at this price point. judging it in a vacuum, or against the previous incarnation that is also outdated technologically, may lead to a different conclusion that provides more comfort for its purchasers.
tony

Sorry, Tony, but have you used one extensively? I have used an X1 for hundreds of photos over the past few months and John owned one. Like you, I started with expecting all the new technology and was underwhelmed when some of it was bypassed. After thinking about it and reading the specs, I am happy with the X2....

I am also happy with the X1 and, as with any camera, it has it's strengths and weaknesses. I chose to use a loaner until I can afford to buy two (2), yes, two used ones because the camera just plain works for me. I can see where the increased value added at the same price will make the X2 even better than what I have experienced this year with the X1. I do not compare my choice of cameras with anything else....I have already made the choice.

John, on the other hand, owned one for a year and as a previous owner, he knows what he likes as far as future evolutions of the X camera. I agree as well.

However, with my non-existent budget, I will be happy with a couple of X1 bodies in the future. For now, I get a loaner, I shoot, I am happy. YMMV. That's okay!

i hope you can get one soon dave! i'm sure you'll make great images with it. using tools one feels comfortable with makes a real difference in the quality of the final product.

as for my lack of experience in using this particular tool, it was not really relevent to my point. the lack of a vf alone disqualifies it for me personally. 2.8 is also a nonstarter for me; upping the top iso is not relevent to me personally in this regard.

Thanks, Tony... the VF thing is an issue with me up to a point as I hate losing the compactness with an external VF and I will never love live view. The 2.8 lens is reasonably good so I work around it and have gotten good results.

Since you mentioned it, I would love to see a manually collapsible 2.0 or faster lens. Never liked the automatic collapsibles. I dunno...glad nobody hired me to help in design decisions.

Hey, you're in New York, right? There are so many of you guys I want to meet and buy a round of beers...

I have liked the X1 since its introduction. I tried the Fuji X100 and didn't like it at all.

I use the Ricoh GXR a lot, it is a marvelous system camera, but it's not like the X1's utter simplicity either.

With the X2 and its functional updates over the X1 available soon, I'll be very tempted to add an X2 with both EVF and OVF to my kit. If Leica makes an X2 Monochrom as they suggested they might, I'll have to have that one.

On LUF, a member describes how he uses the Eye-Fi Pro to tether to his iPad and it works effortlessly.

Forget the LCD!

This could be of interest...grazie Dave !

I have been thinking about the x1/x2 and, owning already the former I decided I'll not upgrade to x2. I do not know yet the x2 price where I live, but I know in the actual economic climate it will be very difficult to sell my x1 and as consequence it would become expensive. to buy an x2.
If the x2 had a slightly faster lens (f2) and more important to me not retractable ( I already had the dust problem) or a dust removal system maybe I would consider this. I know most of people here and on LUF did not have the dust problem, but I had it and I was without the camera for almost 6 weeks!
For sure x2 must be better than x1 but not enough for me !
robert

__________________Remember: today is the Day !from Ruth Bernhard recipe for a long and happy life

For $2.6k with an EVF, it's a no brainer for me: the X-Pro1...saves $300 and has a much better form factor with the EVF built in, and a lens that is two stops faster, and no AA filter.

Respectfully, please re-read this earlier post above:

Sure, I can buy a Toyota Camry for half a Mercedes Benz E-350. But, then , we already know that and I love Toyota products. I just don't drive Toyotas anymore, though.

We all have our buying preferences and there is nothing wrong with that.

I would appreciate keeping the discussion on the X2 in this thread and not about comparison with all the other cameras in the world as there are many threads already on RFF doing that and it won't add to the body of knowledge about the X2 at all. thanks,

All content on this site is Copyright Protected and owned by its respective owner. You may link to content on this site but you may not reproduce any of it in whole or part without written consent from its owner.